As Coloradans (natives or not), our weekly schedules usually revolve around planning for the weekend and “where to next?” is a common question among Pios hungry for the next adventure. But sadly, Pios are also familiar with the heavy workloads that often make it hard to hit that second 14er or check out that hidden hike you’ve been dying to find. On the bright side, Denver is surrounded by walking trails and scenic routes that will, at the very least, deepen one’s appreciation for the Mile-High City. Here are a few places that are biker friendly and good beginner trails to check out:
Head south down South Colorado Avenue for 10 minutes and you’ll find yourself in Cherry Hills Village. Hidden at the end of one side street (South Dahlia Street) is the High Line Canal Trail. The trail is only one route included in the 1,238 Cherry Hills Village Trails scattered throughout Denver. It is 71 miles long and travels through Aurora and Roxborough State Park. However, in the first mile alone one stumbles across a small lake full of wildlife. Despite its location in the heart of the suburbs, it feels completely hidden and offers a quick getaway from civilization.
The Platte River Trail runs through downtown Denver and one can easily hop onto it at any open point that he or she sees. The 28.5-mile trail ends at West Dartmouth Avenue and follows the river through Denver’s industrial and environmental landscape. Bikers, skaters and walkers are all welcome and are free to wander off on one of the three intersecting trails: Sand Creek, Bear Creek and Clear Creek.
Sloan’s Lake, about 25 minutes from DU on North Sheridan Boulevard, is the second largest lake in Denver. Only 2.3 miles long, the trail offers an easy, yet beautiful walk around the entirety of the lake with the view of the Rocky Mountains at a distance. The estimated time it takes to walk it is an hour and a half, but patrons are welcome to bike, boat or fish there, too. Sloan’s Lake offers a good overview of Denver and the mountains it is most famous for. For a little taste of Colorado, enjoy the various activities this place has to offer.
All one has to do is jump onto one of these trails and they will find themselves at a completely different part of Colorado than where they started from. The three different options provided offer different takes on Denver, whether it’s a well known lake or a hidden trail. For your outdoor dose of the Mile High City, take to one of these paths.
